Dapper Dan Biopic In Development With Sony

Based on Daniel “Dapper Dan” Day’s upcoming memoir, a biopic about the Harlem legend and fashion icon is in development at Sony. Jerrod Carmichael, best known for writing and executive producing NBC’s The Carmichael Show, is attached to write and produce alongside Sony-based producer Josh Bratman of Immersive Pictures. Dapper Dan and his son and brand manager, Jelani Day, are set to executive produce. Day’s memoir is scheduled to be published in 2019 by Random House.

The project will weave a high-stakes coming-of-age story of personal triumph set against the backdrop of an evolving Harlem, following the man known by many as the “Godfather of Hip Hop Fashion.” Known for his iconic store on 125th Street, Dapper Dan pioneered high-end streetwear in the early 1980s, remixing classic luxury-brand logos into his own eclectic designs. His now iconic pieces first attracted powerful New York City movers and shakers, and eventually outfitted major celebrities including LL Cool J, Eric B. & Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, P. Diddy, Mike Tyson, Aaliyah, Floyd Mayweather, and Jay-Z, in looks that went on to define an era. Twenty-five years after luxury-brand litigation ran Dapper Dan out of business, things have come full circle. Gucci announced in September 2017 a partnership with Dapper Dan to relaunch his exclusive atelier, a first for any designer retailer in Harlem, in addition to a capsule collection.

Sony’s Ange Giannetti and Maia Eyre are overseeing the project. UTA represents Dapper Dan and Jelani Day on behalf of MacKenzie Wolf agency. Jerrod Carmichael is repped by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham. Josh Bratman is repped by CAA and Bloom Hergott Diemer.